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The Streak: How The Undertaker Conquered WrestleMania for 21 Years



WWE Undertaker: The Phenom of Professional Wrestling




For three decades, The Undertaker loomed over the WWE landscape like a menacing shadow, spelling out doom for those who dared cross him. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and no list of legends would be complete without him. In this article, we will explore his remarkable career, his iconic personas, his unforgettable matches, and his unparalleled legacy in WWE.


Introduction




Who is The Undertaker?




The Undertaker is the ring name of Mark William Calaway, who was born on March 24, 1965, in Houston, Texas. He began his wrestling career in 1987, working under various gimmicks for different promotions. He signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1989, but left after a year due to creative differences. He then joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) in 1990, where he was rebranded as "The Undertaker" by Vince McMahon.




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What is his legacy in WWE?




The Undertaker is one of the most decorated and respected wrestlers in WWE history. He has won multiple championships, including four WWE Championships, three World Heavyweight Championships, six World Tag Team Championships, and one Hardcore Championship. He also won the Royal Rumble match in 2007, and the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy in 2020. He is best known for his undefeated streak at WrestleMania, the biggest event of the year, where he won 21 consecutive matches from 1991 to 2013. He retired from wrestling in 2020, after losing to AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36.


The Deadman Persona




How did he create his iconic character?




The Undertaker's original persona was that of an undead, funereal, macabre figure, who was accompanied by his manager Paul Bearer and a black urn. He wore dark clothing, had pale skin, long black hair, and rolled his eyes back into his head. He rarely spoke or showed emotion, and often used supernatural powers to intimidate and manipulate his opponents. He was inspired by horror movies, comic books, and gothic culture.


What are some of his signature moves and matches?




Chokeslam




The Chokeslam is one of The Undertaker's most devastating moves. It involves grabbing the opponent by the throat, lifting them up in the air, and slamming them down to the mat with great force. The Undertaker often used this move to finish off his opponents or to set up for his next move.


Tombstone Piledriver




The Tombstone Piledriver is The Undertaker's trademark move and one of the most feared moves in wrestling history. It involves holding the opponent upside down by their waist, dropping to a kneeling position, and driving their head into the mat. The Undertaker usually followed this move by folding the opponent's arms over their chest and pinning them for the victory.


Hell in a Cell




Hell in a Cell is a match type that involves a large steel cage enclosing the ring and the ringside area. The only way to win is by pinfall, submission, or escaping the cage. The Undertaker has participated in 14 Hell in a Cell matches, the most of any wrestler, and has won eight of them. He is also responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Hell in a Cell history, such as throwing Mankind off the top of the cage in 1998, and hanging Big Boss Man from the cell in 1999.


Casket Match




A Casket Match is a match type that involves a large wooden coffin placed near the ring. The only way to win is by putting the opponent inside the casket and closing the lid. The Undertaker has competed in 16 Casket Matches, the most of any wrestler, and has won 11 of them. He is also known for setting his opponents on fire inside the casket, such as Yokozuna in 1994, and Kane in 1998.


The American Badass Persona




Why did he change his gimmick in 2000?




In 2000, The Undertaker returned to WWE after a hiatus, sporting a new look and attitude. He ditched his gothic attire and supernatural gimmick, and adopted a more realistic and contemporary persona. He became known as "The American Badass", a motorcycle-riding, leather-wearing, trash-talking badass who was loyal to his friends and ruthless to his enemies. He said that he wanted to reinvent himself and show more of his real personality.


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How did he differ from his previous persona?




Motorcycle Entrance




The American Badass made his entrance by riding a customized motorcycle to the ring, accompanied by various rock or rap songs. He often used his motorcycle as a weapon or a prop, such as running over his opponents or revving up the engine to taunt them. He also sometimes rode with his wife Sara or his dog Booger Red on his bike.


Last Ride Powerbomb




The Last Ride Powerbomb was The American Badass's signature move during this period. It involved lifting the opponent onto his shoulders, walking to the center of the ring, and slamming them down with great force. The move was named after his motorcycle theme and his dominance over his opponents.


Biker Theme Song




The American Badass had several theme songs that reflected his biker persona and attitude. Some of them were "American Badass" by Kid Rock, "Rollin'" by Limp Bizkit, "Dead Man Walking" by Jim Johnston, and "You're Gonna Pay" by Jim Johnston. These songs often featured lyrics that boasted about his skills, challenged his foes, or expressed his defiance.


The Streak and The End of an Era




What was The Streak and why was it so important?




The Streak was The Undertaker's record of consecutive victories at WrestleMania, the biggest event of the year. It started in 1991, when he defeated Jimmy Snuka at WrestleMania VII, and ended in 2014, when he lost to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX. The Streak was considered one of the most impressive and prestigious achievements in wrestling history, as it showcased The Undertaker's longevity, consistency, and excellence. It also added drama and suspense to every match he had at WrestleMania, as fans wondered if he would be able to keep it alive or if someone would finally break it.


Who were some of his opponents and how did he defeat them?




Shawn Michaels




Shawn Michaels was one of The Undertaker's greatest rivals and one of his most frequent opponents at WrestleMania. They faced each other four times at WrestleMania: twice in singles matches (WrestleMania XXV and XXVI), once in a Hell in a Cell match (WrestleMania XXVIII), and once in a tag team match (WrestleMania XI). The Undertaker won all four matches, but they were all close and competitive. Their matches at WrestleMania XXV and XXVI are widely regarded as two of the best matches ever.


Triple H




Triple H was another one of The Undertaker's greatest rivals and one of his most frequent opponents at WrestleMania. They faced each other three times at WrestleMania: twice in singles matches (WrestleMania X-Seven and XXVII), and once in a Hell in a Cell match (WrestleMania XXVIII). The Undertaker won all three matches, but they were all brutal and intense. Their match at WrestleMania XXVIII was dubbed "The End of an Era", as it was the last time they would face each other at WrestleMania, and it featured Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee.


Brock Lesnar




Brock Lesnar was the man who ended The Streak at WrestleMania XXX, shocking the entire wrestling world. He was a former UFC champion and a dominant force in WWE, who had a history of feuding with The Undertaker. He faced The Undertaker twice at WrestleMania: once in a singles match (WrestleMania XXX), and once in a No Holds Barred match (WrestleMania 32). He won the first match, but lost the second one, giving The Undertaker his last victory at WrestleMania.


Roman Reigns




Roman Reigns was the man who retired The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, marking the end of his legendary career. He was a rising star and a controversial figure in WWE, who had a reputation of being "the guy" and "the big dog". He faced The Undertaker in a singles match at WrestleMania 33, where he defeated him after a hard-fought battle. After the match, The Undertaker left his hat, coat, and gloves in the ring, symbolizing his farewell to the fans.


Conclusion and FAQs




The Undertaker is a true icon and legend of professional wrestling, who has left an indelible mark on WWE and its fans. He has entertained millions of people with his captivating character, his thrilling matches, and his unparalleled legacy. He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, his rivals, and his followers. He is The Phenom, The Deadman, The American Badass, The Last Outlaw, The Lord of Darkness, and The Demon of Death Valley. He is The Undertaker.


Here are some frequently asked questions about The Undertaker:


  • Q: When did The Undertaker debut in WWE?



  • A: He debuted on November 22, 1990, at Survivor Series.



  • Q: How tall is The Undertaker?



  • A: He is 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm) tall.



  • Q: Who is The Undertaker's brother?



  • A: He has a kayfabe (storyline) brother named Kane, who is also a wrestler.



  • Q: Who is The Undertaker's wife?



  • A: He is married to Michelle McCool, a former wrestler and Divas Champion.



  • Q: What is The Undertaker's real name?



  • A: His real name is Mark William Calaway.



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